Bowls: New Earswick beat York in Hebden Trophy (From York Press)

Bowls: New Earswick beat York in Hebden Trophy

10:40am Thursday 16th February 2012 in Bowls By Ian Clough

New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club gained the “bragging rights” as they inflicted York’s first Hebden Trophy defeat of the season to scupper their chances of winning the title.

The Earswick ranks won 85-79 despite having only one winning rink – that of Mick Head.

They were in ruthless form, leading 10-0 after only four ends and 24-6 after 14. Never letting the momemntum slip, they beat Geoff Walker’s team 35-10.

The other home rink saw Bob Howland leading 4-0 after four ends before Tony Thornton’s team came back to take the lead for the first time on the seventh end with a two.

They never relaxed their grip and went on to post a 23-12 success.

At Thanet Road, Brian Birch’s team got off to a promising start leading 9-3 after only six ends.

But the men skippered by Ken Robinson’s countered with two fives to take the lead 13-9.

They kept hold of th advantage to the end wrapping up a 25-18 victory.

A close game took place between Tony Hopcutt’s team and Neil Bushby’s.

The lead was traded no fewer than six times.

Hopcutt’s team held a 20-15 advantage with three ends to play, but the foes were level by the final end.

Bushby’s side pushed for the honours – but it wasn’t to be as Alan Clapham moved the jack into the ditch for the hosts to bag an important single.